New Store Opening & Training Manager

New Store Opening & Training Manager

Location: Tampa, Florida (Hybrid + Extensive Travel)

Employment Type: Full-Time

Salary: $62,000–$74,700 annually

Travel Requirement: Approximately 50% annually

About SoFresh

SoFresh is a growing fast-casual restaurant franchise focused on fresh, flavorful food and a great customer experience. We're a hands-on, entrepreneurial team that believes in working hard, supporting one another, and leading by example.

As we continue expanding, we're looking for someone who shares that mindset and wants to play an important role in our growth.

About the Role

We're looking for an energetic, hands-on restaurant operator to lead new franchise store openings and support our growing franchise system.

This isn't your typical office management position. You'll be on the ground opening restaurants, training teams, solving problems, and helping franchise owners get off to a great start.

One day you might be training a new general manager, and the next you'll be cooking, prepping food, taking orders, or washing dishes alongside the team. No task is beneath any of us, and we believe the best leaders are willing to jump in wherever they're needed.

We want someone who enjoys a challenge, takes pride in their work, and gets satisfaction from seeing a team they've trained become successful.

If you're someone who likes to lead from the front, loves the restaurant business, and wants to grow with an expanding company, this could be a great fit.

What to Expect

We believe in being upfront about what this role involves so you know exactly what you're signing up for.

Extensive Travel — Approximately 50%

You'll travel to new and existing franchise locations throughout the country. New store opening assignments typically last two weeks, so you must be comfortable spending extended periods away from home.

Long Hours During Openings

Opening a restaurant is exciting, but it's also demanding. During the initial opening period, you should expect long days, potentially from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM, including weekends. The workload generally becomes lighter during the second week as the restaurant and its team get up to speed.

Flexible Schedule Between Openings

We recognize that new store openings require a significant commitment, and we believe in providing flexibility when business demands are lighter. Between openings, the schedule is generally much more flexible, with opportunities to work from home when operational needs allow. We value results over simply sitting in an office and encourage a healthy balance between the demands of travel and time at home.

Hands-On Leadership

You'll be expected to learn and work every station in the restaurant, including cooking, food preparation, cashier, assembly, cleaning, and dishwashing. We believe great leaders lead by example, not from the sidelines.

Ownership & Accountability

You'll be trusted to take initiative, solve problems, and help ensure each restaurant is fully prepared for a successful opening. We're a small, entrepreneurial team, so everyone plays an important role in our success.

What You'll Do

New Store Openings — Primary Responsibility

• Lead the on-site execution of new SoFresh franchise restaurant openings.
• Train franchise owners, managers, and hourly employees on restaurant operations and brand standards.
• Work alongside restaurant employees at all stations to demonstrate proper execution.
• Help build confident, capable teams that can operate successfully after you leave.
• Troubleshoot challenges involving staffing, food quality, equipment, service, and operations.
• Oversee opening readiness and help ensure each restaurant is prepared for launch.
• Provide hands-on coaching and support during the critical first weeks of operation.

Franchise Operations Support — Secondary Responsibility

• Visit and support existing SoFresh franchise locations.
• Review restaurant performance, including sales, food costs, labor, and operational KPIs.
• Coach franchisees and managers on improving profitability, staffing, and customer experience.
• Help restaurants maintain consistent SoFresh brand standards.
• Collaborate with our corporate team to identify opportunities and improve operations throughout the system.

What We're Looking For

• 2+ years of hands-on restaurant operations experience.
• Experience working multiple restaurant stations.
• Experience training and developing hourly employees.
• A positive, team-first attitude and strong work ethic.
• Someone who is comfortable rolling up their sleeves and jumping in wherever needed.
• Strong communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently, stay organized, and take ownership of results.
• Willingness to travel extensively and work demanding schedules during restaurant openings.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience opening new restaurants.
• Bachelor's degree in business or a related field.

What We Offer

• Competitive Salary: $62,000–$74,700 annually.
• Opening Bonuses: $1,000 for each successful new store opening.
• Company-Paid Travel: Flights, hotels, rental cars, and reasonable meals covered.
• Flexible Schedule: Opportunities to work from home and enjoy more flexible hours between store openings.
• Paid Time Off
• Growth Opportunities: The opportunity to grow your career alongside an expanding restaurant franchise.
• Meaningful Impact: You'll play a direct role in helping new business owners and restaurant teams succeed.
• Entrepreneurial Culture: A collaborative, down-to-earth team where good ideas are welcome, hard work is appreciated, and everyone is willing to pitch in.

Sound Like You?

We're looking for someone who enjoys the restaurant industry, thrives in a fast-paced environment, and takes pride in helping others succeed.

If you love building teams, solving problems, and being part of something that's growing, we'd love to hear from you.

• Work Location: Tampa, Florida, with extensive travel and hybrid flexibility between openings.